Early Childhood Learning

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Universal Access to Early Childhood Education

All Australian Governments have committed to making early childhood an area for national reform. Through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), every State and Territory government and the Commonwealth have endorsed a National Partnership Agreement on Early Childhood Education, which provides funding to ensure that by 2013 every child has access to a quality early childhood education program in the year before formal school. The Commonwealth Government has committed $970 million over five years to achieve Universal Access to 15 hours of Early Childhood Education, of which $210.6 million is allocated to Victoria.

The National Partnership on Early Childhood Education is a starting point for joint Commonwealth, State and Territory reform to improve the supply and integration of early childhood services. It focuses on the delivery of universal access to 15 hours of quality early childhood education by a four year university qualified early childhood teacher in the year before full time schooling by 2013.

Victoria is in the early phase of planning for implementation of this reform.

The Universal Access to Early Childhood Education – Overview (PDF - 372Kb) provides more information about the Victorian policy context and the approach that we will take over the next four years to implement 15 hours of kindergarten for every child in the year before school by 2013.

Universal Access to 15 hours of Early Childhood Education : Frequently Asked Questions (PDF - 74Kb)  - answers questions about the Victorian approach and the implications for kindergarten services, children and families.

 

Victoria’s approach

The Victorian Government, through the DEECD, consulted with key stakeholders in developing its approach to implementation of universal access. Partnerships between local councils, kindergartens, kindergarten cluster managers, schools, community-based and private child care services will be critical in moving forward with this reform agenda over the next few years.

Victoria has identified seven key areas for action, outlined in the diagram below.

The 7 key areas for action

Action 1: Municipal Planning

The Victorian Government has emphasised the importance of municipal planning in setting the foundation for this reform across Victoria and has allocated $3.55 million to support detailed planning for universal access in all municipalities across the state. All councils are expected to consult widely with service providers in developing their municipal plans. For more information, see: 

Contact

To contact the Universal Access team, email: 15hours@edumail.vic.gov.au